..from our new blogspot here at DFB! We’re both excited and nervous about this new space on our site, where we’ll be updating you on our goings-on both in and out of the office – it’s a bit like first-date nerves! We really hope you’ll love it.

We’ve found a heady match with Candy Gourlay though, and her loveable debut novel, TALL STORY. Candy’s jaunty humour really sparkles in this story, but she also manages to weave in some exotic Filipino magic, making this a really flavoursome read. Mmmm!

…And we went to Candy’s fantastic launch for TALL STORY last night! It was a really vibrant event at Waterstones, Islington, buzzing with family, friends, neighbours, and a whole host of other Candy supporters! We even got badges!! You can see me sporting mine in my photo, but here’s a close-up!

It was a really fun, energetic and emotional atmosphere. The Ambassador for The Philippines - Antonio M. Lagdameo – even attended! 

But I think that for me, the highlight was the collective performance of Bob Marley’s ‘One love’ – which Candy’s family and extended family (from her neighbourhood & beyond!) had filmed, sung and practised to perform for us all. There were both English and Tagalog verses that were performed live alongside pre-recorded footage of singing, dancing and general hilarity both in The Philippines and the UK. It was really emotionally-charged and uplifting, really bringing home Candy’s TALL STORY themes of family, home and unity, despite distance. And I was really impressed with the young performers!! You may want to keep your eyes glued to Candy’s site for a glimpse of it..

Anyway, enough rabbiting for now – I’m sure the others want to tell you more about our antics!..

TTFN,

Tilda!